They say the couple that sweats together, stays together. In fact,Fitness Magazine reports that 94% of couples stick with a workout if they work out together. Folks, that’s almost 100%. Imagine if we all just started working out with our significant others? We’d be so fit.
The more important thing about fitness, in addition to making you look great, is that it makes you feel great.Greatist says that physical fitness can do everything from reduce stress to improve self confidence. Not to mention that physical fitness can really step up yoursex life once those gym shoes come off.
But if you’re a fitness newbie or you have never really figured out how to make fitness fun, it can be hard to stick with a workout. Just remember that fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of activity. Be open to trying different things with your partner and starting from scratch. Like marriage or a relationship, fitness is a journey, not a destination, so don’t get down on yourself if you find yourself struggling along the way.
So, without further ado, here are five different couple-oriented physical fitness activities that just might have you and your partner whistling a different tune when it comes to exercise.
- Hiking: This time of year, the weather’s still nice in most parts of the world. Hiking is an easy starting activity because it doesn’t feel like you’re working out as much as does going to the gym and walking on the treadmill (because who really wants to do that?). Hiking together allows you and your honey a chance to see parts of the natural terrain around you that you might normally avoid. Most areas have hikes that accommodate all fitness levels, too. Also, unless you’re planning to camp, you don’t need a ton of equipment, although we recommend a pair of sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Next time you’re not sure what to do, tell your honey, “It’s time to hit the trails!”
- Cycling: Take those bikes that are collecting dust in your garage and hit the road. Cycling together is a terrific way to get your heart rate up and is low impact for those of you with joint issues. Many cities are becoming more and more bike friendly, so it’s pretty easy to leave the car at home and take the bike instead. If you’re stuck on what to do with your sweetie, suggest taking a few hours to be “Bike Tourists.” Hit up your favorite places or check out some touristy sites on your bike and watch your view change. Not interested in that? Take your bikes out to a bike path by a nearby river or beach and do some people watching. If you don’t have a bike, most cities let you rent single or even tandem bikes for fairly inexpensive prices by the hour. Whatever you do, don’t forget your helmets!
- Yoga:Get your zen on together! There are so many ways you can do yoga with your sweetie–from going on a yoga retreat (fitness vacation, yes please!) to trying out hot yoga to even taking on AcroYoga, you can both reap the feel-good benefits of the calming practice of yoga. Check out Groupon for some great deals at studios in your area or ask around. Say Om.
- Rock Climbing:If you’re into more extreme sports, then rock climbing could be for you. The great thing is that rock climbing can be as low key or wild as you want. If you’re just starting out, you may want to hit up your local rock gym. There, you and your sweetie can take all the requisite trainings in order to get you up on the real rocks. If going up that high isn’t your cup of tea, stay in the gym and get thesame benefits.
- Dancing:When was the last time you danced with your partner? Was it in your living room? Was it slow dancing on the beach on your last vacation? But what about really learning how to dance, like taking classes or lessons? Dancing is fun. Dancing is so fun, in fact, that most of the time you don’t even realize that you’re exercising you’re having so much fun. The great thing about dancing is that there are almost as many types of dances as there are types of couples.If you’re passionate, try tango. If you’re flirty and fun, a salsa class would be perfect for you. If you love old music, try learning the Charleston or swing dance. Look around for what’s available in your community, put on those dancing shoes and swing your partner around the floor. You won’t regret it.
And don’t forget, semi-frequent sexual activity can also be as easy or challenging on a fitness level as you want. Some of the health benefits of frequent time in bed together include working every muscle in your body, making you happier, and giving you a stronger immune system, among other benefits. So, even though sex might not be the ONLY type of exercise you want to do together, it is definitely a complement to any other physical activity you try together.